GOP, Dems hold conventions

Published 8:00 pm, Wednesday, July 22, 2009

Control of the Norwalk Common Council lies within grasp of either major political party this November.

Republicans and Democrats were well aware of the fact at their respective nomination conventions Wednesday night.

"It is our intent to put forth the candidates that will not only hold onto a (Democratic) majority, but will improve our majority," said Walter O. Briggs, Norwalk Democratic Town Committee vice chairman, told The Hour. "There are substantially more Democratic registered voters in this city than there are Republicans, so a lot is going to depend on the ability to turn out voters (in November)."

Erik T. Anderson and David Jaeger were endorsed for District A council seats; Carvin J. Hilliard and Travis Simms for District B; Kevin C. Poruban and Laurel Lindstrom for District C; Marilyn C. Robinson and Chris Donahue for District D; and Christopher Potts and Nora King for District E.

The Norwalk Republican Town Committee nominated Richard A. McQuaid, Douglas E. Hempstead, John Tobin, Joanne Romano and Fred A. Bondi for the five at-large council seats.

Republicans nominated Diana Paladino and Richard Bonenfant for District A seats; Nicholas D. Kydes and Michael O'Reilly for District C seats; Kelly L. Straniti and Clyde Mount for District D seats; and Andrew T. Conroy and Victor Cavallo for District E seats.

The Republicans suspended nominations for two District B seats until July 28.

Republicans currently hold seven council seats, after Bondi earlier this year switched his affiliation from Democrat to Republican.

Art Scialabba, Republican Town Committee chairman, predicted that Republicans will hold the majority after the November election.

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"I feel that we'll probably pick up two to three at-large seats, because the feedback from the public is that this administration is doing the right things," Scialabba told The Hour. "We have seven now. We need eight. If we can get 10 or 11 (seats), that would be great for Norwalk."